On July 23, 2025, at approximately 6:10 p.m., an officer-involved shooting occurred in California, Maryland, at the San Souci Plaza, a retail center familiar to St. Mary’s County residents. Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office were attempting to serve a search warrant when the incident unfolded, resulting in a 19-year-old male suspect being shot and wounded.
According to the preliminary investigation, deputies located the suspect, wanted on an active warrant, inside a retail store at the plaza. When deputies approached, the individual fled on foot, initiating a brief pursuit. During the chase, the suspect displayed a firearm, prompting one deputy to discharge his agency-issued weapon a single time, striking the suspect. The sheriff’s office recovered the suspect’s firearm at the scene, though specific details about the weapon have not been released.
Deputies immediately provided medical aid to the suspect until emergency medical services arrived. The 19-year-old was airlifted by Maryland State Police Aviation Command to an area trauma center, where he remains in critical but stable condition. No other injuries were reported during the officer-involved shooting, and no additional suspects are currently being sought.
Incident Details and Investigation
The officer-involved shooting has prompted multiple investigations, as is standard procedure in St. Mary’s County. The deputy who fired his weapon has been placed on administrative leave, per sheriff’s office policy, pending reviews by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office of Professional Responsibilities and the Criminal Investigations Division. These internal investigations will examine the deputy’s actions, adherence to protocol, and the circumstances leading to the use of force.
Under Maryland law, the Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Office of the Attorney General was notified of the officer-involved shooting. The IID, tasked with investigating incidents involving police use of force, was briefed but declined to take over the investigation at this time. The decision allows the sheriff’s office to continue its internal review while ensuring transparency, as required by state regulations.
Community Information and Ongoing Inquiry
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is actively seeking witnesses to the officer-involved shooting who have not yet provided statements. Detective Andrew Burgess is leading the investigation and can be reached at 301-475-4200, ext. 8041, or via email at Andrew.Burgess@stmaryscountymd.gov. The sheriff’s office emphasized the importance of community input to ensure a thorough and accurate investigation.